Reviews

Mama, I'm Swollen

In the hands of word-twisting frontman Tim Kasher, Cursive has gone from a pioneering emo band to a more compelling, Americana-punk act centered around life here in mid-America. The Omaha group's sixth album, "Mama, I'm Swollen," is mellower and a little too all over the map, but at times offers charmingly subtle adult angst. Kasher and Co. are always a powerful live band. They've been touring with a certain three-initial rapper from Minneapolis who just put out his third CD, but for contractual reasons the openers listed here are fellow Nebraskans Berg Sans Nipple and "special guest." (9 p.m. today, First Avenue. 18 & older. $12-$14.)